HRV
HRV is a biofeedback tool I use to manage stress. Some of us may not notice stress build up until it is to late and then we go into burnout.
I have monitored HRV for many years in my practice and have noticed low HRV often correlates well to feelings of low mood or burn out. Finding the triggers of stress or burnout can be found by journaling and monitoring HRV with a smart watch or fitness band.
Here is my HRV after a weekend conference.
Triggers for me are:
1. Socializing in large group settings
2. Reduce downtime for breathwork
3. Worry and reduced sleep.
4. High carb diet, low salt and dehydration
5. Bright lights and overstimulating environments
Factors that improve my HRV the most are:
1. Deep pressure
2. Laughing and time with my kids
3. Resonance breathwork
5. Low carb diet, moderate protein and healthy fats
6. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwaghanda, L theanine
7. Sleep and rest
So for those that tend to disconnect from the feeling of stress a tool like HRV can be useful. It also fascinates me that even if we don't feel stress, our heart beat patterns often will show the true story at the physiological level.